We had mentioned West Yellowstone Montana as one of the best places to visit in Montana in one of our previous articles. Indeed, West Yellowstone is a rage among tourists because of its stunning topography, wildlife, and flora. It is nothing less than a winter wonderland, and through this article, we bring you 10 things to do in West Yellowstone Montana and give you even more reasons to visit the place.
West Yellowstone, located in Southwest Montana, near the Wyoming and Idaho border, is the most popular gateway town to Yellowstone National Park. The city abuts park boundaries and has the West Entrance less than a mile away. This proximity to Yellowstone’s staggering 2.2 million acres is reason enough to visit.
However, the appeal of West Yellowstone extends far beyond the park’s proximity. More than a million acres of national forests surround the area, and the Greater Yellowstone region entices adventure enthusiasts all season. Trails of all kinds run from the city’s outskirts to this stunning wide-open Montana landscape.
West Yellowstone isn’t a new holiday location in Montana. The town has been hosting tourists for years, contributing to the local economy with local eateries, theaters, and a massive movie screen. You can expect to see plenty of smiley faces on the streets or at the rodeo in town at any time of the year.
Create your next Montana adventure by checking out our list of things to do in West Yellowstone Montana!
West Yellowstone Weather
West Yellowstone Montana experiences cold weather even through half of its summers. The summers are short-lived given the town’s elevation, which sits atop 6500 feet above sea level. Though the summers are pleasant, they are mostly dry with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds. May and June are the only months when you can enjoy some warmness in the Sun in West Yellowstone Montana. The weather combines hot and cold, and the West Yellowstone weather stabilizes in July and August. However, nature is bound to make mystical turns at times. From a warm sunny day, it can turn into a breezy snowy one. The West Yellowstone weather in the rainy season is pretty dubious too. The showers are utterly cold and can give you the chills of a cold winter night.
The West Yellowstone weather which is highly experienced by the people is the frigid winters. Given the high elevation and the West Yellowstone Plateau, the weather turns cold out of the blue, especially the frosty nights when the temperature drops as low as 10 degrees Celsius.
This, in turn, leads to a hike in prices for all commodities throughout the town, for transportation becomes extremely difficult. The snow makes the roads inaccessible, restricting the locals’ movement. Though the winters are cold, the scenery is prepossessing. Tourists can’t seem to get enough of the beauty and flock like crossbills to the winter paradise. The only way to reach West Yellowstone Montana is through a snow coach, snowmobile, or skis. It experiences snow of 166 inches every year.
West Yellowstone Montana has much to offer during winter, from scenic beauty to several snow sports. One of the sports includes the snowmobile. Snowmobile companies perfectly chisel out the trails during the night. Every morning, the tourists wake up to beautiful trails, ranging in difficulties. This allows newbies to experience something outdoorsy even without possessing the perfect skills. The snowmobiles are famous for their trails which involve the Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of West Yellowstone Montana.
West Yellowstone Montana also offers another exceptional sight of the Grizzly Bear moving around in the snow even during their hibernation period. They are perfectly stationed in the West Yellowstone National Park to prevent them from harming the people and their homes.
Even though the West Yellowstone weather is unpredictable, the town is gaining momentum every day, and its popularity has reached its zenith. This is mostly because of the natural landscape, which has much to offer compared to the small town. A peaceful day out in nature can help us gain clarity of mind. The town also sustains itself economically due to its tourism. West Yellowstone Montana has much to offer, but it merely depends on your intention of exploring and making the best out of your visit to the town.
Due to the cold weather with scenic beauty encompassing the snow-covered mountains, West Yellowstone Montana has become utterly popular among tourists. Here are the 10 things to do in West Yellowstone:
10 Things to do in West Yellowstone Montana
Things to do in West Yellowstone Montana (1-3)
Visit the West Yellowstone National Park
First on the list of things to do in West Yellowstone Montana is visiting the West Yellowstone National Park. The West Yellowstone National Park is perfectly stationed between the Wyoming and Idaho borders.
The park attracts many tourists by offering a scenic view of lush green forests with thick pine trees, gigantic glaciers, and steep waterfalls.
One can witness the surreal view of the grizzly bears and wolves strolling around the park in the winter.
The Hebgen Lake
Visiting the Hebgen Lake is one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana. The Hebgen Lake renders an exquisite glimpse during the sundown of the perfection of the Yellowstone town.
It is popular for water-related activities like fishing and boating. Another addition to the lake was done by the Earthquake of 1959, which led to the creation of Earthquake Lake nearby.
The Yellowstone Museum
Next on the list of things to do in West Yellowstone Montana is the Yellowstone museum. One can also revisit the cultural and historical aspects of West Yellowstone Montana, by paying a quick visit to the Museum of Yellowstone.
It encompasses the town’s cultural history and the remote methods used by the people for commuting during the harsh winters.
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Eateries in West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone Montana also encompasses cozy coffee shops where you can grab some breakfast or an evening tea. You can come across local food joints while strolling across the town, which enables you to imbibe the people’s cultural values given their warm hospitality.
This includes Mountain Mama’s Coffeehouse and Wild West Pizzeria. Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza Company which are popular among tourists.
The food offered by amicable locals is regarded as one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana.
Playmill Theatre
The Playmill Theatre is a family theatre that hosts three events from May to September around cultural and ethical values. These plays include The Tarzan, Bright Star, and Singin’ in the rain.
Winter Sports in West Yellowstone Montana
Among other things to do in West Yellowstone Montana, the town has much to offer during the winter season, from scenic beauty to several snow sports.
One of the sports includes the snowmobile. Snowmobile companies perfectly chisel out the trails during the night. Every morning, the tourists wake up to beautiful trails, ranging in difficulties.
This allows newbies to experience something outdoorsy even without possessing the perfect skills. The snowmobiles are famous for their trails which involve the Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of West Yellowstone Montana.
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Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park
One of the things to do in West Yellowstone Montana includes the zipline, which runs from North Entrance to the Yellowstone National Park.
It leaves one dumbfounded, given the glimpse of lush green forests and the grizzlies moving around with their cubs.
Ride A Mountain Bike
The rough terrain of West Yellowstone is perfect for mountain biking along the dedicated trails.
The most popular trail comprises the Lionhead, which encompasses some high-altitude trails.
A person with an adventurous zeal would regard this place as a heaven for mountain biking.
Camp Under The Stars
Camping is available at the National Park’s east, west, north, and south entrances. The sites are perfectly guarded to prevent animals from entering these areas.
You can witness the Milkyway Galaxy by camping in tents or renting an RV stationed in the open. A bonfire and some stories are all you need to make it a perfect night.
The Grand Canyon Of West Yellowstone Montana
Among all the things to do in western Montana, one cannot miss paying a visit to the Grand Canyon of West Yellowstone.
It comprises a perfect amalgam of the National Park’s natural aspects, and the Upper and Lower Falls add to its beauty and grandeur.
These are, therefore, the top best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana. The town is gaining momentum daily, and its popularity has reached its zenith. This is mostly because of the natural landscape, which has much to offer compared to the small town. A peaceful day out in nature can help us gain clarity of mind. The town also sustains itself economically due to its tourism. West Yellowstone Montana has much to offer, but it merely depends on your intention of exploring and making the best out of your visit to the town!
FAQ
- What to see in the town of West Yellowstone?
While visiting the town, you cannot miss Mountain Mama’s Coffeehouse and Bakery. The Wild West Pizzeria offers the best food in town, and one must also stop at West Yellowstone Museum and Playmill Theatre.
- What to see in North West Yellowstone?
One can visit the Old Faithful and the Geyser basins in the North West Yellowstone. The Grand Loop is a road that offers a spectacular view of the whole National Park of Yellowstone. You can visit the Mammoth Hot Springs for a surreal experience in the North-West. The place is full of colors, be it the nature or the food offered in the restaurants.
- What to see at the West Yellowstone entrance?
The West entrance of Yellowstone brings you to a heaven of geysers. The hot bubbling water forms an enchanting sight, and one can also experience shopping and luxury lodging here.
- What to see in West Yellowstone?
When visiting West Yellowstone Montana, one can visit the National Park, which offers a rare sight of grizzly bears. You can also experience snow sports like snowmobile and skiing, and a visit to Earthquake Lake is more than worth a scenic view.
